About

WE LOVE TO FLY

TEAMWORK

SnapRoll curates humble, passionate and highly skilled talent. We are a world-class team that combines the expertise of licensed helicopter pilots with the intuitive eye of aerial camera operators; these two positions travel as a team to every project. Our clients work alongside the operator to achieve precise framing, while the pilot focuses on maneuvering the drone itself. Each and every one of our pilots and operators are certified, commercial helicopter pilots who operate UAVs with the same safety, proficiency and focus as they do when flying the real thing. They are well-versed in utilizing superior drone and camera technology, as well as factoring in elements of nature, such as wind speeds and weather, guaranteeing stunning aerial cinematography in challenging locations around the world.

PIONEERS

Founded in 2004, Snaproll has established itself as a pioneer in the UAV industry. We were the first to commercially fly the RED One, RED Epic, Arri Alexa, and Phantom Flex professional camera systems. Our team passionately develops new drone technology to support the latest and greatest demands of the film industry. We have designed, integrated and flown UAVs ranging from light & portable DJI drones carrying DSLRs, larger custom built UAVs that can carry ARRI, RED and Phantom, up to giant rotor UAVs capable of carrying a 450 LB (200 KG) payload.

FAA compliant

Snaproll was one of only six Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved companies in the United States to fly UAVs for commercial, feature film and television productions. The FAA press release can be read here. Read the original Snaproll 333 exemption here.

Now with the exponential growth of the UAV industry and changing regulations, Snaproll remains a leader by maintaining close contact with all governing authorities.

we are an official holder of a Part 107 Wavier

Night ops

Snaproll has Night sUAS Operations Special Provisions under the Part 107 Waiver (See page 3). Previous operation regulations in the United States required flight to halt at or shortly after sundown which often would hinder the possibilities of delivering on a specific creative request or to utilize certain sensor technology at the optimal ambient temperature for commercial applications.

MPAA COLLABORATIVE

We collaborated closely with The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to help draft the safety and operational procedures for legal use of Unmanned Aerial Aircraft in the commercial and film industries.

Where We've Flown

things to consider

legal and safe operation

There are multiple factors that go into hiring a team to provide complex camera movements, data collection devices and aerial imagery. An informed decision is highly recommended before flying or moving any type of rigging, UAV or camera technology. Below you'll find a breakdown of parameters, qualifications and requirements needed to appease corporate level insurance, human resource teams, safety requirements and more.

The FAA requirements and potential liabilities flying drones are ominous, but important for the safe development of this industry. To help inform and educate our clients, partners, and friends we have compiled the following content. Unless someone is flying solely for personal hobby, the following provide the minimal requirements that should be followed. Read the frequently asked questions page here.

Disclaimer: This information is intended to help, but situations are always different and evolving. Do your own research.

faa part 107 wavier

The Part 107 wavier went into effect August 29, 2016 which changed some of the operational logistics and requirements in comparison with the older 333 Exemption. The waiver effectively outlines the following parameters for operation:

Never operate in a careless or reckless manner

Night-Time Operation

Snaproll has Night sUAS Operations Special Provisions under the Part 107 Waiver. Read more on page 3 of our waiver.

Normal Regulations: You can fly during daylight or in twilight (30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset, local time) with appropriate anti-collision lighting

You can’t fly a small UAS over anyone who is not directly participating in the operation, not under a covered structure, or not inside a covered stationary vehicle.

Operations in Class G airspace are allowed without air traffic control permission. Operations in Class B, C, D and E airspace need ATC approval. See Chapter 14 in the Pilot's Handbook (PDF).

No operations from a moving vehicle are allowed unless you are flying over a sparsely populated area.

Pilot Certification: To operate the controls of a small UAS under Part 107, you need a remote pilot airman certificate with a small UAS rating, or be under the direct supervision of a person who holds such a certificate.

You must be at least 16 years old to qualify for a remote pilot certificate, and you can obtain it in one of two ways.

You may pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center.

If you already have a Part 61 pilot certificate, other than a student pilot certificate, you must have completed a flight review in the previous 24 months and you must take a small UAS online training course provided by the FAA.

If you have a non-student pilot Part 61 certificate, you will immediately receive a temporary remote pilot certificate when you apply for a permanent certificate. Other applicants will obtain a temporary remote pilot certificate upon successful completion of a security background check. We anticipate we will be able to issue temporary certificates within 10 business days after receiving a completed application.

INSURANCE

Liability: Most jobs require liability insurance of $2-5 million. This provides risk protection to our clients and our company. Snaproll carries property insurance at a minimum on our higher end equipment. Clients are named as “additionally insured” upon contract signing and we request the same in return from the client before project commencement. For higher end jobs we request proof of coverage from clients.

SAFETY

FAA has established that drones over 0.5lb. (8.8oz.) are classified differently, so we use the same guidelines and suggest the following should apply to aircraft above that weight.

Prior to flight, observe the area you will be flying for obstacles and any potential items that might enter the flight path.

Go through your preflight checklist and ensure communication with the visual observer (VO).

Never fly directly over people not aware of the UAV flight (non-participants).